John Mahama Pledges to Abolish Teacher Licensure Examination in Next NDC Government

Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced a significant policy change that the next NDC government intends to implement. Speaking at a recent campaign event, Mahama pledged to abolish the Teacher Licensure Examination, a policy introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

The Teacher Licensure Examination, introduced in 2018 under the administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo, was designed to enhance the quality of education by ensuring that all teachers in the country meet a certain standard of competence before being granted a license to teach. The policy required all teacher trainees to pass the examination before they could be issued a teaching license, a move that sparked mixed reactions across the education sector.

John Mahama - Former President of Ghana

Mahama criticized the examination as an unnecessary hurdle for teachers, arguing that the existing teacher training programs in the country are sufficient to prepare educators for the classroom. He noted that many qualified teachers have struggled with the licensure exams, leading to delays in their employment and unnecessary stress. 

“The NDC has always prioritized education, and we believe that teachers should be empowered, not burdened with additional challenges that do not necessarily improve teaching outcomes,” Mahama stated. He assured teachers and teacher trainees that an NDC government would revert to the previous system where teachers were evaluated based on their performance during their training and practice, rather than through a single examination.

Since its inception, the Teacher Licensure Examination has been a subject of debate among educators, policymakers, and the general public. While proponents argue that the examination helps maintain high standards in the teaching profession, critics, including many teachers' unions, have raised concerns about its implementation, the quality of the examination process, and its overall impact on the teaching profession.

John Mahama’s promise to abolish the licensure examination is likely to resonate with many teachers and education stakeholders who have long called for a review or repeal of the policy. However, it also sets the stage for a broader debate on how best to ensure the quality of education in Ghana.

As the 2024 elections approach, education is expected to remain a key issue, with both the NDC and NPP outlining their visions for the sector. Mahama’s stance on the Teacher Licensure Examination could be a defining moment in the campaign, especially in his efforts to secure the support of educators and other stakeholders in the education sector.

The NDC's promise to abolish the Teacher Licensure Examination is part of a broader plan to reform education in Ghana. Mahama has indicated that his government would focus on improving teacher training, providing better resources for schools, and ensuring that all children have access to quality education.

As the debate continues, the future of the Teacher Licensure Examination remains uncertain, with its fate now seemingly tied to the outcome of the 2024 elections.